Target car seat trade-in 2026: dates, rules & next event
Drop off any old car seat at a Target store and get 20% off new baby gear. It runs twice a year, spring and fall. Here's when, how it works, and what it doesn't cover.
Last updated Oct 23, 2026. Rules from Target's event page.
Next event
Expected spring 2027. Not announced yet.
It has run every spring and fall, and the last 2 spring events started in mid-to-late April (Apr 27, 2025 and Apr 19, 2026). We'll add the dates when Target posts them. Safe in the Seat: next dates not announced yet
Last event: Fall: Sept 20 – Oct 3, 2026 (bonus usable through Oct 17). Target: Car Seat Trade-In returns Sept 20 – Oct 3, 2026
How it works
- 1. Drop it off. Bring your old car seat to a participating Target store during the event and put it in the box near Guest Services. Stores only, not online.
- 2. Scan. Scan the barcode on the sign by the box with the Target app and tap to add the Target Circle bonus.
- 3. Find it in your Wallet. The 20% off bonus sits in the Target app Wallet until you've used it twice or it expires.
- 4. Use it. Apply it in store or on Target.com on qualifying baby gear. It stacks with other item offers.
Sources: Target: Car Seat Trade-In Event (official page) · Target Help: Car Seat Trade-In offer in your account
The rules
- Any car seat counts. Infant, convertible, booster, harness seats and bases, including expired or damaged ones. USA Today: spring 2025 trade-in rules and exclusions
- One bonus per Target Circle account, usable twice. Trading in more seats doesn't get you more bonuses. Circle is free. Target Help
- About two weeks to spend it. The fall 2026 bonus was good through Oct 17, two weeks after drop-off closed Oct 3. In spring 2025 it ran through May 24. Target
- What it covers. New car seats, bases, travel systems, strollers, and select baby home gear: playards, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers, walkers, entertainers and jumpers. USA Today
- Exclusions change each event. Always excluded: clearance and items sold by Target Plus partners. Spring 2025 also excluded Doona and Wonderfold. Fall 2026 excluded UPPAbaby. Check the terms in the app before planning a big purchase around it. Spring 2025 · Fall 2026
Past event dates
| Event | Drop-off dates |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | Sep 20 – Oct 3, 2026Bonus usable through Oct 17, 2026 |
| Spring 2026 | Apr 19 – May 2, 2026 |
| Fall 2025 | Sep 21 – Oct 4, 2025 |
| Spring 2025 | Apr 27 – May 10, 2025Bonus usable through May 24, 2025 |
Target started the event in April 2016 (USA Today) and says it has recycled more than 3.8 million car seats (Target).
Is it worth waiting for?
If you have an old seat and need a car seat or stroller Target sells, 20% off matches what UPPAbaby took off at Black Friday 2025 (SNOO was 30%). Two catches: the brand you want may be excluded (UPPAbaby was in fall 2026), and the next one is months away. If you need gear before spring, compare it with Black Friday prices and the 15% registry completion discounts.
Compare car seat prices on Amazon →An Amazon search, not part of Target's trade-in.
Target car seat trade-in FAQ
When is the next Target car seat trade-in?
Target hasn't announced it yet. Expect spring 2027. It has run every spring and fall, and the last 2 spring events started in mid-to-late April (Apr 27, 2025 and Apr 19, 2026). We'll add the dates when Target posts them.
How much do you get for trading in a car seat at Target?
A 20% off Target Circle bonus on new baby gear. You get one bonus per Target Circle account, and you can use it twice before it expires (about two weeks after the event ends).
What can you buy with the Target car seat trade-in bonus?
New car seats, car seat bases, travel systems, strollers and select baby home gear: playards, high chairs, swings, rockers, bouncers, walkers, entertainers and jumpers. Clearance and Target Plus partner items are excluded, and some brands have been too (Doona and Wonderfold in spring 2025, UPPAbaby in fall 2026).
Can you trade in an expired or damaged car seat at Target?
Yes. Target takes any car seat, including infant seats, convertibles, boosters and bases, expired or damaged.
Do you need Target Circle for the car seat trade-in?
Yes. The 20% comes as a Target Circle bonus. Circle is free to join. Scan the barcode at the drop-off box in the Target app to add it.
Full baby gear sale calendar → · Black Friday baby gear → · Car seat prices →